Spain is cracking down on overtourism, but there could be a huge shortfall of as much as £25bn.
To deal with the number of tourists impacting the way locals live, Spanish leaders have instituted a number of regulations, including on short-term rentals.
But a report by Oxford Economics, using data from Eurostat and Airbnb, said the rules could cost the country €30bn, equivalent to more than £25bn. do.
The findings also said it could put 2% of Spain's GDP and 400,000 jobs in the country at risk.
Rental platform Airbnb claimed that Spanish authorities drew up the regulations “without taking into account important considerations” such as whether the activity is in a rural or urban area and whether the type of activity is temporary or dedicated.
Mallorca said in a statement: “This has resulted in outright bans, broad and restrictive zoning regulations, or excessive bureaucracy in some cities, displacing people who occasionally engage in this activity, primarily their families, and causing problems. Nothing has been resolved.” The Daily Bulletin reported.
The company also highlights the benefits that rental activities bring to families and rural communities, and the boost that rental activities bring to small and medium-sized businesses.
He further stated that the regulation is being used as a “scapegoat for the housing problems” facing Spain.
Nevertheless, Spain has a range of destinations facing overtourism challenges, including a housing crisis that has seen rents in Spain rise by 80% over the past decade.
Airbnb acknowledges that it is working with governments to help with the housing crisis and has proposed a regulatory model based on four principles.
First, it advocates a clear distinction between tourist rentals, which are solely for short-term rental purposes, and business activities through occasional overnight stays in family homes.
The use of a single, synchronized and free online registration system, in accordance with EU regulations, is also important, following evidence-based, data-driven, proportionate, non-discriminatory and legitimate rules.
The last principle is based on regulations tailored to the requirements of less visited and less well-known areas, such as the countryside, as opposed to the complexity of urban areas, which facilitates the dispersion of travel throughout Spain. I am.
